Male Cat Urinary Obstruction

One of the most common challenges we see in the ER when it comes to cats is urinary obstruction in male cats, also commonly called “blocked tom.” The obstructions are developed when the tube that drains urine from the bladder becomes blocked when mucus, crystals or other small stones are formed in the kidneys and pass down through the bladder and become stuck.

As a male cat owner, it is important to be aware of this problem and be vigilant in watching for symptoms. Here are the most common symptoms to keep an eye out for:

~straining to urinate

~frequent urination

~blood in the urine

~painful urination

~inappropriate urination (urinating outside the litter box)

An examination at the first sign of these symptoms is important as urinary blockage can become life threatening if urine can’t empty from the bladder.

Treatment often requires emergency care as the blockage may need to be flushed with a catheter or surgically removed.

There are some ways to try and prevent urinary stones and potential blockage. The following are some good practices for any cat:

~Keep your cat at a healthy weight.

~Give your cat canned food to help increase moisture and which also more closely resembles their natural diet.